The UK's National Tramway Museum - Review of Crich Tramway Village, Matlock, England - TripAdvisor “The UK's National Tramway Museum” Reviewed July 28, 2010 Crich Tramway Village is also known as the National Tramway Museum - somehow I find the latter title more appropriate, although the "village" consists of a street of superbly renovated buildings relocated to Crich. It is, first and foremost, a working tramway museum (rather than Beamish or the Black Country Museum). Even for those who are not interested in trams, there is still quite a lot to see, although the tearooms can get quite busy (as other have also commented). Crich Tramway Village gives an excellent insight into urban life (with trams) as was common in many British cities up to the late 1950s. Given that tramways have made something of a comeback (such as the Manchester Metrolink) this museum will probably also appeal to children who enjoy travelling on modern trams. The nearest railway station is Whatstandwell on the Derby to Matlock line, followed by a long and steep uphill walk.

A car, taxi or bus from Matlock may be a better option. Helpful? “A nice day out but a little disappointing compared with similar places” Reviewed June 19, 2010 Crich is a nice day out but you don't need more than 4 hours to see everything as it's pretty small. That includes a well laid out woodland walk. We went today as part of a small group. Only 2 trams were running at 20 minute intervals so there was a lot of waiting. One of them was quite small and was full. The pub and ice cream shop were both closed and there was a big queue at Rita's tea rooms so we went back later. The paninis we had were nice but pricey. The chips were great and a large portion was too big for two of us. There's an old printer's shop and an old fashioned sweet shop and a lot of old posters. The exhibition of trams is interesting. The bookshop has a huge supply of books about trams, trolley buses and other transport. The tram ride is short but enjoyable especially for people who haven't seen or been on trams before.

We enjoyed the day out but it doesn't compare with Beamish or the Black Country museum. Helpful? “A great bit of history in beautiful surroundings.” Reviewed June 19, 2010 This was a great afternoon out for my husband and I. A great experience to ride on trams again and loved using the old pre-decimal money to buy the tram tickets. Learning about the history of Tramways was fascinating and reading about the amazing work done by the volunteers to get this project to where it is now. As the day was mid week in early June it was quiet enough to spend time really taking everything in without too many other visitors. We had great weather and this was important as this is very much an outdoor visit - although you can spend time looking around the tramcars housed in the Tram shed - these are well worth viewing. Youngsters will love the rides and there is a lovely woodland trail with plenty of sculptures, views and pathways to explore. On the day of our visit the cafe, gift shop and old fashioned sweet shop were open. There is a rebuilt traditional pub that actually opens at week-ends etc.

There are plenty of places for picnics and you don't have to carry them around with you as it's never too far to pop back to the car to pick them up and return bags. Toilets clean and plentiful around the site. Your ticket allows you to return again within a twelve month period and having spent time here on a non event day would love to go back when it it a special event such as an Edwardian, 40's or 50's - these look like really fun events. We thought it was well worth the entrance fee as so much of the work done here is done by volunteers and the money is being used to keep this wonderful piece of history alive. Helpful? “Pleasant time travel” Reviewed April 4, 2010 This was our second trip in the last 12 months. Having the 'free return' ticket allows for multiple visits within a 12 month period, and certainly provides greater value. Take a look at the website for the main details, and look at the 'Events' section for special occasions, but be aware that some special occasions are exempt from the 'free return' ticket. The venue is well themed, and facilities are spread along the attraction.

These include WC's and refreshment shops. During the 1940's event we attended, there was an additional burger van which sold a small selection of hot cobs, but these were a little pricey at £3.10 for a sausage and egg cob, and £3 for a bacon cob. Coffee was £1. This time we couldn't get a seat in Rita's Tea Room because of the shear number of visitors and limited seating, but on previous occasions we visited, we thought their prices were reasonable. Barnett's Sweet Shop was visited this time around, and sweets were typically over priced - £1.90 for 150g rum & raisin fudge bar, and £2.30 for a stick of coffee flavoured chocolate. However, the venue does rely on donations, admissions and sales to maintain its activities, so we didn't mind contributing via the sales channel. However, some of us, especially during the current economic crisis, might like to take a packed lunch to reduce costs. Of course there is a good selection of trams on display both in a large shed, and in the newly revamped exhibition hall, which has recently reopened.

The upper floor of the workshop galleries are also open to the public. In conclusion, this is a good day out, particularly during the warmer times of the year, but refreshment areas are limited in capacity. Staff are friendly, and the venue is easy enough to find yourself around. Helpful? “One of the best days out for kids!” Reviewed March 1, 2009 I have lost count of the number of times we have been here in the last 15 or so years despite living approx a 2.5hr drive away. We last went for my youngest's birthday and we were delighted to find that our receipt entitled us to free entry for the next 12 months! So we will certainly be going back again. It can be chilly in Derbyshire so if at all possible choose a warm or at least sunny day and on such days there are usually likely to be more people around which means there are more trams out. Last time we went back in October it was one of their event days and we rode on about 10 different trams which was fantastic and the tram driver even let my son help him with the rope to get the power connector thingy back on when we turned round as a treat.

The woodland trail is well worth the walk too as it has some activities for children. The views across the nearby valley are stunning. We were also lucky enough to get to go on a trip on an old 1950s (?) bus around the local countryside. And there was a parade of vintage cars being an event day. Helpful? National Tramway Museum in Jan 2004 The thumbnails below are linked to larger pictures The tram was the first vehicle to provide cheap urban transport for the masses and originally arrived in Britain from the U.S.A. in 1860, with over 14000 in operation by the 1920's in Britain alone. The trams decline came after the first World War, when the efficient internal combustion engine gave birth to the modern Bus with its reliability, flexibility and perceived low running costs. Ironically modern versions of the trams are now making a comeback, especially in Croydon near where I live where the new Tramlink system became operational before the Millennium. At Crich in Derbyshire an old once abandoned quarry has been transformed into the Crich Tramway Village, home of the National Tramway Museum.

It is packed with exhibits including preserved static trams from many countries, together with a large collection of tram memorabilia and also the Workshop Galleries, where you can watch trams being restored .The Museum is open between February and December and can be found at Crich, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5DP, also see the official website Best of all are the unlimited Tram rides. There is an operational tram route which offers rides on many of the tram exhibits. Be a passenger on vintage trams from all over the world. Ride through history as many times as you like, with trams running every few minutes, you can enjoy riding through the period street, beneath the elegant Bowes-Lyon Bridge originally constructed in 1844, and on past spectacular views of the Derwent Valley to the Glory Mine terminus 810 feet above sea level. Public tram Driving courses are also on offer several weekends each year for those that want to take their interest one step further. For those requiring refreshment there is a tea Room, the Red Lion Pub and Restaurant and an Ice Cream parlour This is a visit that should please all the Family both Young and old.

Excellent Museum - Crich Tramway Village, Matlock Traveller Reviews - TripAdvisor “Excellent Museum” Reviewed 17 July 2014 My wife and I visited Crich Tramway Village on 6th June. The sun was shining, which always makes a difference. We were greeted by very friendly staff and paid for our tickets and informed that the tickets lasted a whole year. The whole experience was very good and the staff and volunteers were excellent. The food in the cafe was good and wholesome. The souvenir shop was well stocked and reasonably priced. Although the track is basically one straight line, there is lots to see and view from the very well prepared trams. There is even a Berlin tram that has been converted for the disabled. Will I be back! Well I sincerely hope so and before my ticket runs out. “Great nostalgic venue” Reviewed 16 July 2014 I had a personal interest in visiting Crich as my father originally worked on the building of a couple of the trams they have here.

This is a very interesting place to visit as not only do they have running trams which you can take a trip on, but there is also a small museum showing how the tramway museum came to be located at Crich (it was formally a quarry) and depicts the life and times of the people who worked there. Visitors also have access to the workshop (albeit on a viewing gallery) showing restoration work being carried out on their latest projects. There is also an indoor exhibition charting the history of trams. My only criticism is that there could be more "external" exhibits highlighting life during the times when the trams were in their heyday. Yes there is a period pub and the Town Hall and printers but it would add to the enjoyment if they had say some period houses like they do in the Beamish museum. This is only a small criticism though as visitors do go for the main attraction of the trams but to me it would add more realism of taking you back in time. The ticket allows you to revisit the museum free if you return within twelve months so represents good value for money on this basis.( why would you want to go back?- principally to ride on different trams I would guess).

If you do go take a close look at the workmanship of the exhibits e.g. The screw fittings. You will see all the screw heads line up together- true craftsmanship of days gone by! Visited June 2014 “Great day out for all the family” Reviewed 15 July 2014 I couldn't imagine a more dread inspiring idea for a day. Staring at trams all day was not going to be fun. The basic package is that you pay to get in and then ride around on trams all day. This is not just about plodding along town streets but going up the hill and back too. Sitting on the top of an open double was great, the views excellent. At the bottom of the hill is the main site. A few oldie world shops and a museum full of renovated trams. We had to do the whole sweet shop and ice cream with the kids and it was a good experience. Watch out for the extra sours in the sweet shop, they are. By the end of the day, I had changed my mind. This place was a lot of fun and yes we would go back. There is plenty for the kids as well as the adults.

Visited May 2014 Crich Tramway Museum, Crich, Derbyshire Crich Tramway Museum, Crich, Derbyshire The National Tramway Museum offers a fun day out for all ages - the finest Transport museum of its type, with over 70 vintage steam, electric amd horse-drawn trams from all over the world to ride upon. Nearby Villages The National Tramway Museum offers a fun day out for all ages - the finest Transport museum of its type, with over 70 vintage steam, electric amd horse-drawn trams from all over the world to ride upon. There is an exhibition hall dedicated to the history of the tram with a recreation of the 1905 Tramways Exhibition, plus a Workshop Viewing Gallery where you can see the ongoing restoration and repair work. There are several outdoor attractions plus a Woodland Walk and a pub and tea rooms on site. The Forge and The Emporium shops sell a wide range of gifts, toys, confectionary and books. There are numerous indoor attractions, and offers for Groups and Schools, with Educational packs and Worksheets. Braille guide books available, and disabled access.

Crich Tramway Museum Photo Gallery - click on the images to enlarge 0 - Crich Tramway Museum How to get there By Road: the village of Crich lies just off the A6 Derby - Matlock road, approximately 12km south of Matlock. Turn off the A6 where it crosses the River Derwent at Whatstandwell and take the 'B' road through Whatstandwell to the village of Crich. Here turn left, past the church, to the museum. By Bus: The Trans-Peak bus (Nottingham to Buxton via Derby) goes along the A6, with an hourly service, stopping at Whatstandwell, which is about 2km from the museum. There are occasional buses from Belper to Crich. By Train: Whatstandwell station, on the Derby - Matlock line, is about 2km distant. When is it open? 28th March - 1st November: Daily from 10.00am - 5.30pm What does it cost?

Admission charges Adult �14.00/ Child (4-15yrs) �8.00/ Senior �11.00/ Family (2 Adults & 3 children) �37.00 Prices and opening times are shown as a guideline only and may vary. See this link for more information on prices and opening Crich Tramway Village - home of the National Tramway Museum | Culture24 Crich Tramway Village - home of the National Tramway Museum Map Take a tram ride through time. Step aboard a vintage tram and travel back in time along a recreated village street complete with working pub. Explore fascinating exhibitions and watch trams being restored from the Workshop Viewing Gallery. Plus children’s playground, tea-rooms, shops, and Woodland Walk & Sculpture Trail. George Stephenson Workshop Discovery and Learning Centre - come and explore the story of the Museum site and find out why trams were seen as the solution to inner city overcrowding. The entire collection of this museum is a Designated Collection of national importance.

Venue Type: Open daily until 30th October 2016 Daily 10 am – 5.30pm (last admissions 4.00pm). Admission charges accessible tram, with lift, available The entire collection of this museum is a Designated Collection of national importance. Home to over 70 trams and a host of associated equipment, the Museum has sought to acquire an example of each important stage in the evolution of the British tramcar, a vehicle that dramatically influenced the growth of towns and cities. Significant foreign tramcars are also included. Selected tramcars are operated in a period street setting, thus allowing trackwork and overhead fittings to be viewed by the public in context. This is complemented by 16,000 square feet of exhibitions. The extensive library, archive, photographic and postcard collections, with material which ranges from company records and contemporary journals to personal items such as uniforms and papers, provides a source for the technical, social and economic history of urban transport world-wide. Collection details Social History, Science and Technology, Land Transport, Archives Key artists and exhibits Designated Collection Resources listed here may include websites, bookable tours and workshops, books, loan boxes and more.

You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all. Resources Education Sessions The Learning Department run a variety of facilitated sessions for groups using the exhibition spaces at the Museum and also the Woodland Walk. Bespoke sessions can be arranged for groups from Early Years to A Level and also SEN groups. Currently on offer: Story Time for Early Years Victorian and WW2 sessions for KS1 and 2 Tram Timeline for KS1 and 2 Habitats and Minibeastsfor KS1 and 2 Art and Design Sculpture Trail for KS1 and 2 ICT Diploma for 14-19 curriculum Customer Care and Marketing for GCSE and A Level Creator Learning Department How to obtain For more details, or to make a booking, please contact the Learning Department on: 01773 854328/ 854339 Digital and online resources Museum Library Library of photographs, books, journals, pamphlets, timetables and legislation related to the history of trams. There is an online index. Creator Resources National Tramway Museum - Education Pack (KS1) Pack includes general information for teachers, classroom activity sheets, photocopiable worksheets and pictures to encourage observation and information gathering skills.

Creator Great day out - Crich Tramway Village, Matlock Traveller Reviews - TripAdvisor “Brilliant day out for enthusiasts and families which you can repeat all year.” Reviewed 30 July 2016 We just spent the best part of the day at Crich Tramway Museum, one 6 one 13year old and a grandad. Arriving just after 10am following good signposting from the A38/61 there is a large car park and easy admission system. My paying gift aid the ticket is valid for free re-admission for 12 months. Tram rides are available all day long and there were 3 or 4 different trams providing a almost continuous service. After our first trip we went to a very good indoor play area, had a look at the trams in the tram shed and then walked to the outdoor play area. This is impressive and includes an aerial runway (short but fun) and some new stuff to climb on. Its nicely wooded with benches and picnic tables and we had our lunch there. we could hear the trams going up and down the line. Next up was the Woodland Walk with added Pokémon Go critters.

There are a good number of wood sculptures too including Trolls, wizards and a very large ant. We then caught a tram back to the terminus and went to the special ice cream shop. Yum. A short sharp shower took us inside where we found colouring pencils and paper with tram characters. Time went very quickly and it was time for another tram ride up and down. This time we were on the top deck of a Sheffield tram and had good views of the landscape. then we went to the olde worlde sweet shop where there were lots of old sweets sold loose and some boxed and wrapped ones too. There so much more we could have done such as visit the two exhibition areas, the library, the pub, the tea shop, the mine and the walk to the war memorial. Having just broken up for the holidays the children were not looking for education but enjoyed the whole experience of the museum and travel by tram. I wouldn't call Crich a village but there is a lot of tramway era street furniture such as a Victorian post box and is a street. We spent more than 6 hours there without any strain which is an excellent result.

The 3 of us cost £30 which seems good value and comparable with other days out and much cheaper than Twycross Zoo or Drayton Manor Park. The Museum is also a fine tribute to the enthusiast sand volunteers who have done so much to preserve a taste of everyday Britain in the first half of the 20th century. “disappointed outing” Reviewed 28 July 2016 I feel that this attraction is completely overated! It is not a "village" it consists of a pub a coffee shop, sweet shop and rubbish gift shop. As a retired couple unable to make use of the woodland walks, and having just a possible mile ride on a tram I think it is a complete rip-off. I was expecting a decent ride through a place of some interest not a half mile and back over the same area. The museum was quite interesting but it made a very expensive outing.

After waiting about fifteen minutes for a tram we were held up a further 10-15 minutes after one of the drivers reversed into a stationary tram, after much deliberation by six men we were allowed to get on (bearing in mind this tram was on its first day out after restoration), it was very difficult to see any damage and no-one could understand the delay. Visited July 2016 Ask jhjackieholl28 about Crich Tramway Village This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC CrichTramway, Marketing Manager at Crich Tramway Village, responded to this review, 1 August 2016 Thank you for your review. We are sorry that you were disappointed with your visit, but we do receive a lot of very positive feedback and many visitors feel that it is good value with the free return within 12 months (terms & conditions apply). We are sorry you couldn’t visit the Woodland Walk as this is very popular with the majority of our visitors.

With regard to the incident regarding the reversing of one tram into another, it is very unusual for this to occur, but as you can appreciate, the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers is of paramount importance and specific checks have to be made immediately and a report filed, even if no damage occurred. Report response as inappropriate Thank you. We appreciate your input. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC Crich (Tom Bates Derbyshire Peak District Author, Writer, Poet) Printer-friendly page Crich: The large and sprawling village of Crich sits high in the rolling Derbyshire hills five miles south-east of Matlock, where the White Peak extends a thin finger of carboniferous limestone into the gritstone country east of the wooded Derwent Valley. This ancient settlement has long been a `gateway to the Peak District’, and sits strategically placed on the route of an old ridgeway which runs north from the Trent Basin and on up into Yorkshire. Crich Stand The familiar landmark of Crich Stand rises from the highest point of the limestone outcrop known as Crich Cliff, whose massive white face looks westward and can be seen by travellers as far away as the A6 between Cromford and Ambergate.

The lighthouse-like monument is itself visible from five counties, and on a clear day Lincoln Cathedral can be seen from it’s base. Modern roads converge on the village from every direction, providing evidence of it’s importance as a regional centre of industry and commerce – which it has been at varying times thoughout it’s two thousand year history. This reached a peak during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries when Crich was caught up in the Industrial Revolution and railways and knitting machines were added to the lead-mining, quarrying, smelting, lime burning and farming which had previously occupied the increasingly growing population. By 1851 lead mining had declined and the census for that year shows only 23 lead miners in the village, although the Wakebridge, Old End and Jingler mines were worked until the 1950’s. Employment in 1851 was focussed mainly on quarrying and frame-knitting, with 85 quarry workers and 5 lime-burners in the parish, along with 270 people working mainly at home engaged as stockingers.

Limestone extraction was under way from two quarries by 1734 and was carted away by packhorse trains until the Butterley Company built a narrow-guage railway from Crich to the lime kilns beside the Cromford Canal at Bull Bridge over a mile away in 1792. The wagons ran downhill by gravity and were hauled back up by teams of horses until steam traction was introduced in 1860. George Stephenson built the second mineral railway in 1841, linking Church Quarry and Cliff Quarry with his lime kilns beside the canal at Ambergate. The Butterley Company’s line closed in 1932, whilst Stephenson’s original line latterly used deisel locomotives before eventually closing in 1957. All Change at Crich! These days Crich’s economy is mainly fuelled by tourism - and the village seems to have developed a bit of an identity crisis. For almost forty years the National Tramway Museum - now the Crich Tramway Village -has been the main attraction for tourists but now it has a rival.

The former Crich Fish & Chip Shop is now called the `Cardale Chippie’ and the village is known to millions of television viewers as `Cardale’, the original location for Central T.V.’s `Peak Practice’ series. The long established Allsops Bakery just off the Market Place has recently been taken over and transformed into The Loaf, a fine modern bakery under new ownership which doubles as a Café and deli and which uses only wholesome natural ingredients to make a whole range of different additive-free bread. New owner Andrew Auld exhibits a welcoming and refreshing concern for quality, and with a business philosophy which is fixed firmly on providing for the needs of the community, The Loaf has quickly become an integral part of this attractive rural village. The name of the village suggests Celtic origins, for Crich is an ancient Celtic word for `a hill’. Early settlers would have been attracted by this strategic location which afforded commanding views over the important fertile river valleys of the Derwent and the Amber, and by the plentiful supply of water from the numerous springs at this geological divide of limestone and gritstone.

It is likely that the Romans mined lead here, for they were certainly in the vicinity as evidenced by the pottery and hoards of Roman coins found in the parish. The Saxons were here too and fragments of their stonework, along with that of the later Norman masons survives in the fabric of the mainly 14th century parish church, whose short spire rises from a Perpendicular tower on the northern hillside overlooking the village. Crich was once an important market-town which held a weekly Friday market and had sheep and cattle fairs in April and October in the old market place up near the church. As the village expanded alongside the road to Bull Bridge and Fritchley, so the village centre, along with the Market Place, was relocated further down the hill beyond the four-way junction with the splendid gritstone market cross in the middle, and now surrounds the four stone drinking troughs which mark the centre of the present village square which is dominated by the large pedimented gritstone Baptist Chapel of 1877. Civic pride and enterprise flourishes today in Crich’s Market Place with a range of shops and businesses that larger towns would be proud of.

A typical example is Crich Pottery owned and run by Diana and David Worthy who manufacture a unique range of superb award-winning stoneware which is exported all over the world. Like all Derbyshire villages Crich is best explored on foot, and there is so much here of interest and fascination to the visitor. Crich Stand must be the most conspicuous war memorial in the land rising 63 feet from it’s base to reach a height of 1,018 feet above sea-level. The magnificent panorama from the viewing platform, reached by a spiral stone staircase, is breathtaking and well worth the 10p admission fee. This memorial to the 11,409 men of the Sherwood Forest Regiment who fell in the Great War was opened on August 6th 1923 by General Sir Horace Lockwood Smith-Dorrien, and an annual memorial service takes place at the Stand on the first Sunday in July. Local tradition tells of an original wooden tower here surmounted by a beacon, which was one of dozens on high ground throughout the country used to signal the approach of the Spanish Armada and other events of national importance.

The first stone tower was built in 1788 by Francis Hurt of Alderwasley, but was dismantled in 1849 after being struck by lightning. It’s successor suffered a similar fate and was dismantled after surviving a landslip caused by quarrying that buried two lead mines and demolished a number of buildings in 1882. The current tower was designed by Lieut-Col. A.W.Brewill and was built using the stones from the original construction. Down below in Crich Quarry is the Crich Tramway Village, visited by many thousands of tourists between April & October each year. The first passengers were carried in a tram hauled by a mare named Bonny hired from a local farmer in 1963 on the original track-bed laid by George Stephenson over a century earlier. Nowadays there are more than 50 trams from all over the world at the museum and visitors can ride in open-topped splendour along a spectacular rural route high in the hills above the Derwent Valley to Wakebridge and back, before sampling the delights of the Tramway Village with it’s Edwardian façade of shops and cafes.

Truly a unique experience – as is any excursion to this ancient and wonderful village set high in the Derbyshire hills. The UK's National Tramway Museum - Crich Tramway Village, Matlock Traveller Reviews - TripAdvisor “The UK's National Tramway Museum” Reviewed 28 July 2010 Crich Tramway Village is also known as the National Tramway Museum - somehow I find the latter title more appropriate, although the "village" consists of a street of superbly renovated buildings relocated to Crich. It is, first and foremost, a working tramway museum (rather than Beamish or the Black Country Museum). Even for those who are not interested in trams, there is still quite a lot to see, although the tearooms can get quite busy (as other have also commented). Crich Tramway Village gives an excellent insight into urban life (with trams) as was common in many British cities up to the late 1950s. Given that tramways have made something of a comeback (such as the Manchester Metrolink) this museum will probably also appeal to children who enjoy travelling on modern trams.

The nearest railway station is Whatstandwell on the Derby to Matlock line, followed by a long and steep uphill walk. A car, taxi or bus from Matlock may be a better option. Helpful? “A nice day out but a little disappointing compared with similar places” Reviewed 19 June 2010 Crich is a nice day out but you don't need more than 4 hours to see everything as it's pretty small. That includes a well laid out woodland walk. We went today as part of a small group. Only 2 trams were running at 20 minute intervals so there was a lot of waiting. One of them was quite small and was full. The pub and ice cream shop were both closed and there was a big queue at Rita's tea rooms so we went back later. The paninis we had were nice but pricey. The chips were great and a large portion was too big for two of us. There's an old printer's shop and an old fashioned sweet shop and a lot of old posters. The exhibition of trams is interesting. The bookshop has a huge supply of books about trams, trolley buses and other transport.

The tram ride is short but enjoyable especially for people who haven't seen or been on trams before. We enjoyed the day out but it doesn't compare with Beamish or the Black Country museum. Helpful? “A great bit of history in beautiful surroundings.” Reviewed 19 June 2010 This was a great afternoon out for my husband and I. A great experience to ride on trams again and loved using the old pre-decimal money to buy the tram tickets. Learning about the history of Tramways was fascinating and reading about the amazing work done by the volunteers to get this project to where it is now. As the day was mid week in early June it was quiet enough to spend time really taking everything in without too many other visitors. We had great weather and this was important as this is very much an outdoor visit - although you can spend time looking around the tramcars housed in the Tram shed - these are well worth viewing. Youngsters will love the rides and there is a lovely woodland trail with plenty of sculptures, views and pathways to explore. On the day of our visit the cafe, gift shop and old fashioned sweet shop were open. There is a rebuilt traditional pub that actually opens at week-ends etc.

There are plenty of places for picnics and you don't have to carry them around with you as it's never too far to pop back to the car to pick them up and return bags. Toilets clean and plentiful around the site. Your ticket allows you to return again within a twelve month period and having spent time here on a non event day would love to go back when it it a special event such as an Edwardian, 40's or 50's - these look like really fun events. We thought it was well worth the entrance fee as so much of the work done here is done by volunteers and the money is being used to keep this wonderful piece of history alive. Helpful? “Pleasant time travel” Reviewed 4 April 2010 This was our second trip in the last 12 months. Having the 'free return' ticket allows for multiple visits within a 12 month period, and certainly provides greater value. Take a look at the website for the main details, and look at the 'Events' section for special occasions, but be aware that some special occasions are exempt from the 'free return' ticket. The venue is well themed, and facilities are spread along the attraction.

These include WC's and refreshment shops. During the 1940's event we attended, there was an additional burger van which sold a small selection of hot cobs, but these were a little pricey at £3.10 for a sausage and egg cob, and £3 for a bacon cob. Coffee was £1. This time we couldn't get a seat in Rita's Tea Room because of the shear number of visitors and limited seating, but on previous occasions we visited, we thought their prices were reasonable. Barnett's Sweet Shop was visited this time around, and sweets were typically over priced - £1.90 for 150g rum & raisin fudge bar, and £2.30 for a stick of coffee flavoured chocolate. However, the venue does rely on donations, admissions and sales to maintain its activities, so we didn't mind contributing via the sales channel. However, some of us, especially during the current economic crisis, might like to take a packed lunch to reduce costs. Of course there is a good selection of trams on display both in a large shed, and in the newly revamped exhibition hall, which has recently reopened.

The upper floor of the workshop galleries are also open to the public. In conclusion, this is a good day out, particularly during the warmer times of the year, but refreshment areas are limited in capacity. Staff are friendly, and the venue is easy enough to find yourself around. Helpful? “One of the best days out for kids!” Reviewed 1 March 2009 I have lost count of the number of times we have been here in the last 15 or so years despite living approx a 2.5hr drive away. We last went for my youngest's birthday and we were delighted to find that our receipt entitled us to free entry for the next 12 months! So we will certainly be going back again. It can be chilly in Derbyshire so if at all possible choose a warm or at least sunny day and on such days there are usually likely to be more people around which means there are more trams out. Last time we went back in October it was one of their event days and we rode on about 10 different trams which was fantastic and the tram driver even let my son help him with the rope to get the power connector thingy back on when we turned round as a treat.

The woodland trail is well worth the walk too as it has some activities for children. The views across the nearby valley are stunning. We were also lucky enough to get to go on a trip on an old 1950s (?) bus around the local countryside. And there was a parade of vintage cars being an event day. Helpful? Chesterfield Corporation Tram, No. 7 – National Tramway Museum, Crich | Shortfinals's Blog Chesterfield Corporation Tram, No. 7 – National Tramway Museum, Crich By: Camera: NIKON D40 Before railways, there were tramways. These started out as a means to move coal and other minerals around – a tram was one of the names for a wheeled truck that contained coal, and a ‘tramway’ a primitive rail system for despatching the laden trams to distant points – it was soon realized that passengers could be carried in suitable wheeled vehicles, along rails laid in urban areas. Laden ‘trams’, which could be used for carrying coal, minerals, and baulks of timber were hauled by horses, or along cables wound by stationary steam engines, or even by small steam locomotives.

It can be seen then, that these early efforts gave rise to both the more advanced railways and to the tramway, proper. The world’s first ‘tramway’ was ‘The Swansea & Mumbles Railway’ in Wales (opened 1807); like almost all other early attempts, it was horse-drawn. Soon horse-drawn vehicles running on rails were changing the urban landscape, making living further out from city centres much more feasible. The town of Chesterfield is a bustling place in the north of Derbyshire, world-famous for the crooked spire on the church of ‘St. Mary and All Saints’, and for the local deposits of coal and ironstone which were exploited from the 18th century onwards. In 1879, a plan for a 1 1/4 mile horse-drawn tramway into the center of town was agreed, and it opened in 1882; the operator was the Chesterfield & District Tramways Company, and the standard fare was two pence. Only four years later, the original company folded, and a re-organization saw the line taken over by the Chesterfield Tramways Company, and the fares slashed.

Enough money was made to extend the line from Whittington Moor to the Market Place in Chesterfield and out as far as Brampton, a total of 3 5/8th miles. A decision to switch to electric traction (using overhead cables) was made in 1904, and a batch of 12 ‘Aston’-type open-top trams were ordered from Brush of Loughborough and powered by 2 x 25hp Westinghouse 90M motors (strangely, the company would be building Avro 504 aircraft during the coming World War One). These trams were finished in the company’s livery of crimson and yellow, and based at the new depôt on Chatsworth Road; they carried a total of 56 passengers, 22 on the lower deck and 34 on the top deck. In 1919, the top decks of No. 6, 7, 8, 11 and 12 were given flat roofs, to protect passengers from the inclement Derbyshire weather, although there was an open balcony section at each end.

The movement to replace trams with trolleybuses (utilising the same overhead wires) reached Chesterfield in 1924 and the Chesterfield Tramways Company began disposing of their trams in 1927. No. 7 had certainly had an eventful life, including surviving a fire at the Chatsworth Road Depôt. When sold, it was moved to Two Dales, near Matlock, Derbyshire, where the upper and lower decks were separated, and it became the permanent dwelling of Mr. Eric Cocking. A diorama, displayed at the National Tramway Museum, Crich, shows the two decks, sheltered behind a drystone wall at Two Dales, with a small vegetable garden laid out nearby! Acquired by the Museum in 1973, in wasn’t until 1993 that a major restoration project was initiated, which was finally completed in 1996 at an estimated cost of £250,000. As well as No. 7, the Tramway Museum exhibits the cream and blue finished Chesterfield Tramways Co. No. 8, a horse-tram, which is on loan from the Science Museum, London.

Here we see No.7 running back towards the Red Lion Hotel at Crich (see earlier post); long may she continue to give passengers a taste of early tram travel! bit.ly/TPMShop Notify me of new comments via email. This month’s offerings! Useful links Courtesy Aircraft Courtesy Aircraft are a purveyor of fine, used warbirds and other aircraft DONATE to the The People's Mosquito DONATE to help The People’s Mosquito Ltd build a Mosquito! Passiondesavions Excellent blog from a pilot and Air Traffic Controller (en francais). The photography is exceptional. C’est magnifique! The Mighty Jingles A truly amazing wargaming channel; aircraft (War Thunder) as well as tanks (World of Tanks) The People's Mosquito Ltd Help to launch a de Havilland Mosquito into British skies! An aviation charity with just one aim…. TPM Fund Help us build a Mosqutio for Britain! Travelforaircraft An excellent aircraft miscellany!

Question: What type of exhibits can be seen in the museum at Crich in Derbyshire?
Answer: Trams